Which of the following won't contribute to excessive bleeding?

• A. Heparin
• B. Aspirin
• C. Coumadin
• D. Potassium

Answer: (D)

Bleeding tendency arises when the mechanisms that stop bleeding—coagulation and platelet function—are impaired. Medications that interfere with clot formation or platelet activity increase bleeding risk. Heparin speeds up inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa, slowing clot formation. Warfarin (Coumadin) reduces production of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X, weakening the clotting response. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1, lowering thromboxane A2 and preventing platelets from clumping at injury sites. Potassium, however, is an electrolyte that supports nerve, muscle, and heart cell function and does not participate in the coagulation cascade or platelet activation. Therefore it would not contribute to excessive bleeding.